The traditional end of the summer is here and we all need a family party—let's follow the rules and stay safe. Grilling is almost over, and thoughts turn to crock pots, cooler nights, and leaves. If you get all the way to the end of this post, you will be rewarded with an enjoyable Labor Day story.
I present for your consideration a few great simple ways to cap off the "traditional" summer season. As a bonus, a funny Labor Day story at the end of the post.
FOOD SAFETY
Before we start, a few food safety reminders. So easy to forget. It is up to you to keep your friends and family safe. I see dangerous food handling on TV food shows and other blogs frequently. So know the rules. PLEASE.
As a start, please review my Summer Food Safety post. Let’s be safe out there. No, Uncle Joe cannot have his burger rare even though you wouldn’t mind seeing him sick. It is your responsibility to keep them all safe.
Grill Recipes
Oven Recipes (if it rains)
Pie, Pie, Pie, and Kinda Pie
My Bad—A Labor Day Story
When I first started my private practice 40+ years ago, I started in mid-August, and the other pediatrician went on vacation (his first is over a year) a week later.
I was left to see patients and to make all business decisions. It was the Friday before Labor Day, and I was saying good night to the employees and told them I would see them on Monday. A huge scream went up.
Them: "No, Tuesday"
Me:"Monday"
Them: (very loudly) "Tuesday, Monday is Labor Day."
Me: "So"
Them: "It's a holiday."
Me: "No"
Them: "YES"
Me: "A real holiday???? I thought it was like Ground Hog Day or Columbus Day."
Them: "See you TUESDAY," they all shook their heads as they walked out snickering.
Me: "hmmm ok."
In my defense, I have just come out of years of medical training, working 80 to 100 hours per week. There were two holidays only, Fourth of July and Christmas and you got one of them off. All the rest of the days were equal, meaning they were nothing special and you worked.
My bad, I guess.
I put that in just to see if anybody got this far. And it is totally true, even the wording is correct.
So relax and enjoy yourself. Grill a hot dog and have some ice cream. Enjoy your family and reflect on 2020—don't injure yourself.
Wifo, Molly, Lilly, and DrDan
Do you want more recipes from 101 Cooking for Two? Sign up for the newsletter and get all posts delivered straight to your inbox!
Originally Published August 31, 2014. This post is reused yearly but is edited and updated yearly. Some comments may be from previous years
Janet Gatlin
Happy Labor Day, Dr Dan! Love getting your emails!!
PS. Glad you let your employees off that first Labor Day 😉
Gloria Bates
Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day! I always look forward to your emails, and especially love the doggie pictures :)
Fran
You are such a delight to deal with.....to read your recipes and comments....to see the pix of your precious pets. Many of the recipes are great for me and my husband, but I just enjoy you whether or not the recipe is up our alley. Keep up the good work....you are a bright spot in this world. Here's wishing you and your loved ones --- pets definitely included -- a wonderful and tasty Labor Day! Take care....stay healthy.
Jean
Your the greatest. Please take very good care of yourself you mean a lot to us.
Happy Labor Day!
Jean
Beverly Barndt
A Happy Labor Day to you also as well! and your little dogs too!
Janice
I appreciate all you go through to keep this blog for us!
Deborah Zuniga
Enjoy your recipes and doggie updates! Please notify when new ones post. Thanks!
Deborah Zuniga / Round Rock, Texas